Effects of paclobutrazol treatment on the growth regulation and propagation of pineapple plantlets derived from crown macrosections

Abstract Pineapple ( Ananas comosus L.) is a highly valued tropical fruit that is essential for both its nutritional benefits and economic significance. In this study, the effects of varying concentrations of paclobutrazol on the mass propagation of ‘MD2’ pineapples were investigated using the split crown technique. This study aimed to determine the effects of paclobutrazol on plantlet production, including survival rate, days to emergence, number of plantlets, and root development. It was conducted using a single-factor, four-treatment completely randomized design (CRD) with seven replications. The concentrations of paclobutrazol utilized were 0, 100, 200, and 500 ppm. The results indicated that paclobutrazol did not affect plantlet survival, the number of days to plantlet emergence, or the number of emerged plantlets. High concentrations (500 ppm) of paclobutrazol resulted in reduced root length and root number. Furthermore, paclobutrazol treatment altered plant morphology, resulting in more closely compacted, smaller leaves due to limited shoot elongation. These findings provide the first documented evidence of the effects of paclobutrazol on ‘MD2’ pineapple plantlets propagated via the split crown technique, highlighting its potential role in modulating root and shoot architecture during clonal propagation.